For many, a holiday road trip is living the dream – taking things at your own pace, watching the world go by from your window, stopping wherever you want.
But while you may be familiar with Australian road rules, there are some pitfalls when driving overseas, not the least the pesky habit of some other countries to drive on the wrong side of the road.
Some make sense, some are on the bad side of weird, so of course we wanted to know about those. Here’s our guide to some of the more outrageous international road rules.
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Splash and dash
Not only is it rude but it’s illegal to splash pedestrians while driving in the UK. And they are not mucking about. Fines can range as high as £5000, although generally it’s just a £100 fine. Must be tough on an island known for its wetness.
But why?
A lot of the US is weird these days, but in Arkansas it’s illegal to honk your horn after 9pm where cold drinks and sandwiches are served. Seems a bit odd, but the law was created in the 1920s when drive-up dining was taking off and you had to hoot to get your order. Turns out that’s annoying for the neighbours, so they made a law about it.
Blind faith
Still in the US, and in Alabama it’s illegal to drive while blindfolded. Call me stupid, but why does this even need to be a law? Love is blind, judgement is blind, but driving should definitely be the realm of those who can see.
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You are not more important than a camel
In Dubai, you’d better give way to any stray camels on the road. They are referred to as ‘important symbols’ and are automatically given right of way. It shouldn’t be much of a problem though, as camels are so highly prized in the UAE almost all of the estimated 300,000 in the country are in captivity.
Green means go and so does red
In the US, it’s legal to turn on a red light if there are no other vehicles around, although not in New York City. This would not work in Australia. Too many people would deem the road clear and zoom through anyway.
Insurance … what insurance?
This one makes me nervous. There is no requirement to have car insurance in South Africa, although it is highly recommended. Note to self, never drive in South Africa. Life is an adventure, but that’s just crazier than a bag of cats.
Honk if you like Prince Edwards Island
On Canada’s Prince Edward Island you must honk when passing another car, although this has fallen out of fashion a bit. My irritation levels are rising just thinking about it. It was a rule designed to make your intentions clear about your next move. I guess indicators take care of that these days.
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Look sharp
While we are in Canada, in the province of Halifax, cab and limo drivers cannot wear T-shirts and casual wear. I’m not sure who checks these things. Are there fashion police in Canada? If there are, then they need to work hard to erase this evidence of Canada’s 1972 Olympic team uniform. Get cracking.
And last, an urban myth
This is definitely one I would fail. In fact, if it was real and enforced with fines I’d have to declare bankruptcy. There are claims on the internet that in California it’s illegal for women to drive wearing a dressing gown/housecoat/bathrobe, whatever you want to call it. Fortunately, the Skeptics website has debunked this claim and the good women of California can drive around in their best fluffy overgarment of choice.
Are you a confident driver overseas? What weird driving rules have you experienced while travelling? Why not share your tips in the comments section below?
I have travel around Aus and have seen a sign saying you can turn left on red light if safe can’t remember where and I have heard if you hit a cow $500 fine. and if you hit the dogs are more because they are classed as a working dog
Wendy, the “Turn Left on Red” was common in NSW. Some I used all the time have recently been removed but there are still some around.
“Quote”
But while you may be familiar with Australian road rules, there are some pitfalls when driving overseas, not the least the pesky habit of some other countries to drive on the wrong side of the road.
“Unquote”
May I remind drivers that one should not consider driving on the “wrong” side of the road in other countries being pesky!. After all, the majority of countries people drive on the right hand side of the road, and need to adjust driving on the left side of the road in merely a few countries.